5K. 

u* 

^ 

•      s:: 

^w^ 

B 

CN 

^   S 

00 

rH     0) 

1    w 

S     w 

CO  :d 

^   ^ 

o 

CO    0) 

^     w 

tH   -P 

^     52;       ^ 

03 

-  > 

d  -H 

o  u 

^    2 

CO  <  0 
O       m 

^^ —       rt 

o     £ 

G  w 

5^ 

to    0)    }H 

$- 

^  T3    0) 

<^ 

CM    G    >s 

0)    rc5 

^ 

CQ  O  O^ 

BY  THE 

Rt.  Rev.  Ashton  Oxenden,  0*0. 

Bishop  of  Montreal  and  Metropolitan  of 
Canada. 

Family  Prayers,  for  Four  Weeks.    16mo, 

cloth, $1  00 

Thoughts  for  Lent.      16mo,    cloth,   red 

edges, 1  25 

Prayers  for  Private  Use.    32ino,  cloth, 

gilt  edges 50 

Flexible  cloth, 35 

The  Lord's  Supper.    Simply  Explained. 

32mo,  flexible  cloth, ....       35 

Sent  by  mail,  prepaid,  on  receipt  of  price,  by 
Anson  D.  F.  Randolph  $c  Co.,  New  York. 


PRAYERS 


FOR    PEIVATE^U^E. 

AF. 


d 


%OGIGAL&^ 


BY    THE    / 


REV.  ASHTON  OXENDEN, 

Rector  of  Pluckley,  Kent. 
AUTHOR    OF   "the    EARNEST    COMMTJNIOANT '    BXa 


NEW  YORK: 
ANSON  D.  F.  RANDOLPH  &  CO., 

770   BROADWAY. 


By  reading  the  Prayers  over  before  neing  them,  so  as  to  he 
*eady  to  make  a  few  slight  chanaes.  as  we  for  I,  us  for  me, 
*ur  for  my,  etc.,  they  might  at  timed  be  used  as  Family 
Prayers. 


COIfTENTS, 


PAO« 

Morning  and  Evening  Prayers 5 

A  Mid-day  Prayer,  No.  1 54 

"                 No.  2 55 

A  Prayer  before  Receiving  the  Holy  Communion  57 

A  Prayer  under  Doubts  and  Difficulties 59 

A  Prayer  for  any  time  of  Temptation 61 

A  Prayer  for  time  of  Sickness 63 

A  Prayer  in  time  of  Prosperity - . . . .  65 

A  Prayer  in  time  of  Adversity 67 

A  Prayer  before  Reading  the  Bible 69 

A  Prayer  before  any  Special  Undertaking 70 

A  Prayer  for  a  Blessing  on  Christ's  Ministers, . .  71 
Heads  of  Prayer  for  every  Morning  and  Evening 

in  the  Week 73 


(3) 


PRIVATE   PKAYEES. 


untrag  glormng. 

0  ALMIGHTY  and  Merciful  Father, 
look  down  from  heaven,  and  hear 
me,  as  I  approach  Thee  on  the  morning 
of  Thine  own  day. 

Thanks  be  unto  Thee  for  having 
spared  me  to  the  beginning  of  another 
Sabbath.  Pardon  me  for  tlie  abuse  of 
those  that  are  past.  0  forgive  me,  for 
Christ^s  p^ke,  for  having  wasted  those 
precious  hours  which  might  liave  brought 
so  many  blessings  to  my  soul. 

And  now,  Lord,  help  me  to  live  this 
day  as  one  who  is  earnestly  seeking 
heaven.  Draw  away  my  thoughts  from 
the  things  of  the  world,  and  enable  me 

(5) 


5  SUNDAY  MORm'l^G. 

to  fix  them  upon  Thee.  Come  Thou, 
and  dwell  in  my  heart  this  day.  Drive 
out  every  intruder,  and  take  full  posses- 
sion Thyself.  Make  this  the  best  and 
happiest  day  that  I  have  ever  spent. 

Make  my  mind  serious  and  thoughtful ; 
and  prepare  me  for  all  those  sacred  or- 
dinances in  which  I  am  about  to  engage. 
Bless  them  greatly  to  my  soul,  and  give 
me  much  enjoyment  in  them.  Tune  my 
heart  for  .thy  service.  Fit  me  for  the 
blessed  work  of  prayer  and  praise.  Hast 
Thou  not  promised,  Lord,  that  where  two 
or  three  are  gathered  together  in  Thy 
name  Thou  Thyself  will  be  in  the  midst 
of  them?  Fulfil  that  promise  to  me. 
Meet  me  in  the  courts  of  Thy  house,  and 
pour  out  upon  me  a  spirit  of  true  and 
earnest  devotion.  And  when  Thy  Word 
is  read,  or  preached,  grant  that  I  may 
listen  with  a  humble  and  belie  dug  heart. 
Bring  home  some  precious  truth  this  day 
to  my  soul.     Break  this  hard  heart  of 


SIWDA  Y  MOKMM. .  7 

mine,  and  make  it  feel.  Speak,  Lord,  to 
my  conscience.  May  Thy  gospel  come 
to  me,  not  in  word  only,  but  also  in 
power. 

Bless  my  beloved  brethren.  May  Tliy 
courts  be  thronged  with  devout  worship- 
pers. 0  my  God,  on  this  day  of  peace 
and  rest  visit  the  world  with  Thy  mer- 
cy, and  save  the  lost. 

Holy  Father,  I  pi^ay  to  Thee  for  Tliy 
servants  who  shall  minister  before  Thee 
on  this  day.  Prepare  them  for  their 
heavenly  work.  Teach  them  by  Thy 
Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may  teach  others  ; 
and,  whilst  they  sow  the  seed  of  life, 
make  their  own  souls  to  be  as  a  watered 
garden.  Bless,  especially,  my  pastor. 
Lift  up  his  hands,  I  beseech  Thee  ;  cheer 
his  heart,  and  prosper  him  in  his  work. 

And  now,  0  my  Father,  I  commend 
myself  for  tliis  day  into  Thy  hands.  Be 
with  me  in  every  hour  of  it.  Open  the 
windows  of  heaven,  and  pour  down  a 


fc  S  UN  DA  V  MORNLXG 

large  blessing  upon  me,  not  according  to 
the  measure  of  my  worthiness,  but  ac- 
cording to  the  abundant  riches  of  Thy 
grace,  and  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


MOST  gracious  God,  I  come  to  Thee 
this  night  to  ask  Thee  to  pardon  my 
sins,  and  to  thank  Thee  for  Tliy  many 
blessings. 

When  I  look  back  on  the  past  hours 
of  this  day,  I  feel  that  I  have  much  rea- 
son to  humble  myself  before  Thee.  My 
heart  has  gone  astray.  My  thoughts 
have  wandered.  The  world  has  crept 
in,  and  spoilt  my  devotions.  What 
coldness,  and  dullness,  and  unbelief  hast 
Thou  seen  in  me !  0  pity  me,  and  for- 
give me,  for  my  Redeemer's  sake.  Blot 
out  every  sin,  and  especially  the  sin  of 
ray  prayers  and  devotions.  Wash  me 
in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  I  shall  be 
whiter  than  snow. 

Come  to  me  now,  my  Saviour,  and 
speak  peace  to  my  soul.     Take  me,  sin- 


10  SUN  DA  J'  EVENING. 

fill  as  I  am,  and  make  me  Thine.  Sub- 
due my  stubborn  will.  Fix  my  wayward 
heart.  0  Thou  Sun  of  Righteousness, 
shine  upon  my  soul  this  night.  And  be- 
fore I  go  to  rest,  make  me  to  feel  tliat 
all  is  well  with  me,  that  I  am  Thy  ser- 
vant, and  that  Thou  art  my  Surety,  my 
Friend,  my  daily  and  hourly  Portion. 

Accept  the  many  prayers  which  havo 
tliis  day  been  offered  up  by  Thy  people 
throughout  the  world.  Accept  mine, 
poor  and  feeble  as  they  have  been,  and 
mixed  with  so  much  sin.  Bless  the  Word 
that  has  been  preached.  Make  it  a 
word  of  life  to  many,  and  especially  to 
myself.  0  comfort  tlie  mourning  ;  en- 
lighten the  ignorant ;  turn  into  the  right 
Avay  those  who  have  wandered  from  it. 
Convert  the  sinful.  Lead  on  those  Id 
whom  Thou  hast  begun  a  good  work 
Save  them  by  Thy  almighty  grace. 

Grant  a  blessing  to  my  own  parish 
and  neighbourhood.    Help  me  to  do  some 


gO'  d  ill  my  station.  Make  inc  in  some 
de[;ree  useful  to  others.  And  grant  that 
each  day  I  may  desire  to  glorify  Thee, 
and  to  serve  Thee  faithfully. 

I  thank  Thee  for  every  past  mercy, 
especially  for  the  many  rich  blessings 
which  I  have  to-day  enjoyed.  Make  me, 
I  beseech  Thee,  a  holier,  a  better,  and  a 
happier  Christian.  Fit  me  for  a  never- 
ending  Sabbath  in  Thy  courts  above ; 
and  grant  that  I  may  one  day  enjoy  that 
eternal  rest,  which  remainetli  for  Thy 
people  in  heaven. 

Hear  me  in  this  and  all  my  pra)era, 
for  Jesus  Clirist's  sake.     Amen. 


r  OOK  down  from  heaven,  0  my  God, 
^  and  hearken  to  the  prayer  of  Thy 
unworthy  servant.  My  wants  are  great, 
but  thy  power  to  relieve  is  greater. 
Thou  art  the  very  Fountain  ;  I  come  to 
Thee  poor  and  empty  ;  0  fill  me  out  of 
thy  fulness.  Thou  delightest  to  give  ; 
send  me  not  empty  awiay. 

Lord,  I  thank  Thee  for  all  Thy  past 
mercies  to  my  body  and  my  soul.  I  thank 
Thee  for  the  measure  of  health  which  I 
enjoy,  for  the  food  which  I  eat,  for  tlie 
clothing  which  I  put  on,  for  the  home  in 
wliicli  I  dwell.  I  thank  Thee  for  tlie 
kind  and  dear  friends  who  care  for  me, 
for  the  portion  which  Thy  love  allots  to 
me  in  tliis  world,  for  Thy  great  kindness 
in  watching  over  me,  for  shielding  me 


MOM',  i  i '  MORNIXG.  \  3 

from  a  thousand  dangers,  and  for  sparing 
my  life  up  to  this  hour. 

But  still  more  I  bless  Thee  for  Tl-y 
spiritual  gifts.  How  great  is  Thy  love 
to  my  soul !  Thou  hast  given  me  a  Sav- 
iour to  die  for  me.  Thou  hast  pointed 
out  the  way  by  which  a  lost  one  may  be 
saved.  0  Jesus,  save  me.  Sprinkle  Thy 
own  blood  upon  my  soul.  Stretch  out 
the  arms  of  Thy  mercy,  and  receive  me, 
sinner  as  I  am.  0  give  me  the  joy  of 
acceptance,  the  blessedness  of  pardon. 
Say  to  me,  gracious  Saviour,  Thy  sins  be 
forgiven  thee.  And  make  me  Thine  for 
ever.  Thy  true  servant,  Thy  faithful  fol- 
lower, Thy  loving  disciple. 

0  my  God,  enable  me  this  day  to  live 
nearer  to  Thee  than  I  have  yet  done. 
Strengthen  my  faith  ;  increase  my  love  ; 
fill  me  with  Thyself ;  draw  my  sinful 
heart  towards  Thee. 

Lord,  I  desire  to  know  all  the  evil 
that  is  in  me.     Show  me  to  myself,  I  be- 


1 4  MONDA  r  MO  RXJXG. 

seecli  thee.  Sliow  me  the  hatefulness  of 
my  guilt ;  and  make  me  to  abhor  myself, 
and  repent  in  dust  and  ashes.  TIiou 
hast  bidden  me  to  be  holy  :  make  me  so, 
I  entreat  Thee.  Lead  me,  0  lead  me,  in 
the  narrow  path  of  life.     Enable  me  to 

break  off  every  evil  habit,  especially . 

And  if  there  is  any  hidden  sin  lurking 
in  my  heart,  give  me  grace  to  overcome 
it. 

May  the  blessedness  of  Thy  own  day 
still  rest  upon  me.  Let  me  not  forget 
those  holy  lessons  which  were  taught  me 
yesterday.  Deepen  any  good  impression 
which  has  been  made.  Carry  on  any 
work  of  grace  which  Thou  Thyself  hast 
begun  in  me.  Make  me  in  some  degree 
useful.  Make  me  a  blessing  to  others. 
Lord,  I  have  been  a  cumber er  of  the 
ground.  Grant  that  I  may  now  bear 
fruit.  Show  me  what  Thou  wouldcst 
jiave  me  to  do,  and  give  me  grace  to 
do  it. 


MONDA  T  MORNING.  \  £ 

Bless  my  pastor,  and  my  fellow-wor- 
shippers. Grant  that  the  seed  sown  yeS' 
terday  may  not  have  been  in  vain.  Do 
Thou  give  the  increase.  The  harvest 
truly  is  plenteous  :  send  faithful  labour- 
ers to  gather  souls  into  Thy  garner. 

Be  with  those  especially  who  are  gone 
forth  to  labour  in  distant  lands.  0  Lord, 
prosper  them  in  their  arduous  work ; 
and  as  they  bear  the  burden  and  heat  of 
the  day,  may  their  own  souls  be  refresh- 
ed, and  may  they  receive  a  full  reward. 

Hear  me,  0  my  Father  ;  and  give  me 
all  that  I  liave  asked,  and  all  that  I 
need;  for  my  Saviour's  sake.    Amen. 


HlontiaD  ® boning. 

A  THOU  who  art  not  only  my  God, 
^  but  also  my  Father,  I  thank  Thee 
that  Thou  dost  encourage  me  to  draw 
near  as  Thy  child.  0  give  me  a  Father's 
blessing. 

Thou  art  acquainted  with  all  my  wants. 
Every  trial,  every  sorrow,  every  craving 
of  my  heart  is  known  to  Thee.  I  am 
weak  ;  do  Thou  strengthen  me.  I  am 
poor ;  do  Thou  enrich  me.  I  come  to 
Thee  in  all  my  emptiness  ;  do  Thou  fill 
me  out  of  Tliy  fulness.  Give  me  all  tliat 
I  need,  and  more  than  I  dare  to  ask. 
Give  me,  not  according  to  my  unwortlii- 
ncss,  but  according  to  my  necessity,  and 
according  to  tlie  abounding  riches  of 
T  "ly  grace. 

4nd,  0  God,  Thou  knowest  likewise 

(16^ 


MONDA  7  E  VENIXG.  \  7 

all  my  sins.  Make  me  to  know  tliem  albo, 
and  to  feel  tlieir  greatness.  Call  to  re- 
membrance all  that  is  past.  Show  me 
where  1  have  been  wrong.  Bring  to 
light  my  hidden  ini(iuities.  I  acknow- 
ledge the  guilt  of  my  evil  thoughs,  my 
unlioly  desires,  my  secret  transgressions. 
Pardon  me,  0  my  Father,  for  Jesus'  sake. 
Blot  out  my  ?ins  in  that  precious  blood 
which  was  shed  for  me  on  the  cross 
Take  away  this  heart  of  stone,  and  give 
me  a  heart  of  flesh — a  tender,  believing, 
loving  heart. 

0  Lord,  help  me  to  live  nearer  to  Thee 
day  by  day.  Keep  me  under  the  blessed 
influence  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit.  Make  me 
to  be  ever  growing  in  grace.  Forgetting 
those  things  which  are  behind,  may  I  be 
ever  pressing  towards  the  prize  of  my 
liigh  calling.  Give  me  grace  to  crucify 
self,  to  keep  under  my  body,  and  to  bring 
my  thoughts  and  desires  and  will  into 
su}»jection  to  Thee. 


18  MOMhiV  FrJi'NJALf. 

Take  me,  0  my  God,  under  Tliy  gra- 
cious oare  this  night.  Refresh  me  with 
sleep  and  rest.  Let  Thy  fatherly  hand 
ever  be  over  me.  Let  Thy  Holy  Spirit 
ever  be  with  me.  Make  me  to  feel  safe 
and  happy  under  Thy  protection. 

Bless,  0  Lord,  those  who  are  near  and 
dear  to  me.  Give  unto  them  all  that  I 
have  asked  for  myself.  If  any  of  them 
are  at  this  time  in  sorrow,  do  Thou  com- 
fort them.  If  in  doubt  or  diflSculty,  do 
Thou  guide  them.  Those  of  the\ii  who 
are  still  afar  off  from  Thee,  do  Thou 
bring  near.  And  to  those  who  know 
and  love  Thee,  give  more  ond  more  of 
Thy  grace. 

Hear  me,  0  my  Father  ;  and  give  me 
an  answer  of  peace  to  these  my  prayers, 
for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     /Imen. 


Cu^strag  horning. 

A  ALMIGHTY  FATHER,  through 
^  Thy  mercy  [  am  spared  to  begin 
another  day.  Thanks  be  unto  Thee  for 
Thy  safe  keeping  during  the  past  night, 
for  watching  over  me  during  the  hours 
when  I  was  helpless,  and  for  defending 
me  from  the  many  dangers  which  might 
have  hurt  me. 

0  Thou  God  of  love,  make  me  to  feel 
that  Thou  lovest  me.  0  my  Saviour 
(who  art  willing  to  gather  me  under  Thy 
wings)  draw  me  to  Thyself.  I  thank 
Thee,  I  praise  Thee,  I  adore  Thee,  for 
Thy  great  goodness.  Glory  be  to  Thee 
for  all  that  Thou  art  in  Thyself,  and  all 
that  Tliou  hast  done  for  me.  Give  me  a 
thankful  lieart  now  ;  and  grant  that  I 
may  praise  These  hereafter  in  Thy  courts 
above. 

(19) 


2  0  TUBS  DA  Y  MORXLXG. 

0  Lord,  I  wish  to  be  holy.  Enable 
me  to  walk  in  the  narrow  path  wliicli 
leads  to  heaven.  Give  me  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  to  dwell  within  me.  Take  away 
from  me  the  love  of  sin,  and  stamp  Thine 
own  image  upon  my  soul. 

1  confess  that  this  present  world  has 
too  strono-  a  hold  of  me.  I  am  tied  and 
bound  by  its  cliains.  0  loose  me  from 
tliem,  and  set  me  free.  May  my  heart 
and  my  hope  be  in  heaven.  May  I  feel 
that  Thou  art  my  portion,  and  my  ex- 
ceeding great  reward. 

Heavenly  Father,  be  with  me  this  day. 
Keep  me  near  to  Thee,  and  uphold  me 
every  moment  lest  I  fall.  Let  me  en- 
gage in  nothing  this  day  which  is  con- 
contrary  to  Thy  will.  Show  me  what 
Tlion  wouldest  have  me  to  do,  and  where 
Thou  wouldest  have  me  to  go.  I  have 
lived  too  long  to  myself;  I  desire  hence- 
forth to  live  to  Tliee  :  0  enable  me  to  do 
BO.     Bless  me  in  all  my  ways,  and  make 


TUESDAY  MORNING.    ■  21 

.ne  a  blessing  to  others.  Enable  me  to  do 
some  good  this  day  ;  and  in  all  I  say  or 
lo  give  me  a  single  eye  to  Thy  glory. 
Make  me  very  watchful  over  my  thouglits. 
Preserve  me  from  all  miholy  desires. 
SuV)due  my  unruly  will,  and  bring  it  into 
subjection  to  Thy  will.  Keep  Thou  the 
door  of  my  lips,  that  I  offend  not  with 
iny  tongue. 

And  since  I  know  not  what  a  day  may 
bring  ,fortli,  do  Thou  order  every  event 
of  my  future  life.  Mark  out  my  course 
for  me.  If  prosperity  be  my  portion, 
make  me  thankful,  and  keep  me  Immble. 
Or  if  trials  and  sorrows  come  upon  me, 
let  me  receive  them  as  from  Tliee,  and 
may  they  all  work  together  for  my  eter- 
nal good.  Whatever  Thou  art  pleased 
to  give  me,  let  me  never  forget  Thee,  the 
great  and  gracious  Giver :  and  wliatever 
Thou  takest  from  me,  0  be  Tliou  still 
with  me. 

1  now  commit  myself  into  Thy  hands. 


22  TUESDA  Y  MOEMXG. 

Do  for  me  as  Thou  seest  best.  Only 
save  my  precious  soul,  and  make  me 
Thine  for  ever.  And  all  this  I  ask  in 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  my  liord. 
Amen. 


A  MY  God,  I  heartily  thank  Thee  for 
^  tliis  day's  mercies,  and  for  all  Thy 
goodness  to  my  body  and  my  soul.  Thou 
hast  been  very  gracious  in  preserving  me 
in  health,  and  shielding  me  from  danger. 
Thine  eye  has  followed  me,  and  Tliou 
hast  marked  out  my  path.  0  be  with 
me  still.  I  feel  tliat  I  want  Thy  guid- 
ance and  direction  in  all  that  I  do.  Let 
Thy  wisdom  counsel  me,  Thy  hand  lead 
me  and  Thine  arm  support  me. 

If  I  have  been  kept  from  sin  this  day, 
or  strengthened  to  resist  the  tempter,  to 
Thee  be  all  the  praise.  And  if  I  have 
been  enabled  to  do  anything  riglitly, 
glory  be  to  Thee  for  that  grace  wliich 
has  been  so  mercifully  given  to  me. 

Lord,  I  put   myself  into  Thy  hands. 

(23) 


0  {  TUK^DA  y  EVESIXG. 

Help  me  to  correct  all  my  evil  ways.  Keep 
me  close  to  Thee.  Give  me  more  grace. 
Fill  me  witli  Thy  Holy  Spirit.  Make 
Christ  very  precious  to  my  soul.  May  I 
lean  upon  Him  day  by  day,  and  trust 
Him  with  a  simple  faith. 

Breathe  into  my  soul,  0  God,  holy  and 
heavenly  desires.  Give  me  a  clean 
heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 
Conform  me  to  Thine  own  image.  Make 
me  like  my  Saviour.  0  that  I  may 
both  look  to  Him  as  my  atoning  sa- 
crifice, and  also  daily  endeavour  to  fol- 
low the  steps  of  His  most  holy  life! 
Enable  me  in  some  measure  to  live  here 
on  earth  as  He  lived,  and  to  act  in  all 
things  as  He  would  have  acted. 

Lord,  as  Thou  hast  been  about  my 
path  this  day,  so  be  Tiiou  about  my  bed 
this  night.  And  when  I  presently  lie 
down  to  rest,  give  me  gentle  and  refresh' 
iug  sleep,  and  a  calm  and  settled  peace. 
And  when  at  length  I  lie  down  to  rise 


7  VK.^l'A  V  E  \  'EXfXG.  2  5 

up  no  more,  may  I  sleep  in  Jesus,  and 
wake  up  in  His  likeness. 

Bless  to  me  all  that  I  have  read  or 
heard  tliis  day.  I  thank  Thee  for  Thy 
word,  and  for  all  the  means  of  grace 
wliicli  I  enjoy.  Teach  me  Thine  own 
self,  and  lead  me  into  the  knowledge  and 
love  of  Thy  truth. 

Be  with  my  dear  Relations.  Make 
them  very  dear  to  Thee.  And  if  any 
of  them  are  still  afar  off,  0  bring  them 
liome,  gracious  Lord,  to  Thy  fold.  Bless 
my  intercourse  with  them,  and  help  me 
to  try  and  do  them  good. 

Hear  me,  0  my  Father,  and  accept 
my  unworthy  offering  of  prayer  and 
praise,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


/  \  GOD,  who  didst  at  the  first  command 
^  tlie  liglit  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  I 
thaak  Tliee  for  having  brought  me  to 
the  beginning  of  another  day.  T  praise 
Thee  for  this,  and  for  all  Thy  other  mer- 
cies. Let  me  never  forget  that  my  very 
life  hangs  upon  Thy  goodness,  and  tliat 
in  Thee  I  live,  and  move,  and  have  my 
being. 

But,  0  Lord,  there  is  something  better 
til  an  these  temporal  mercies,  for  which 
J  have  reason  to  bless  Thee.  Thou  hast 
been  very  gracious  to  my  soul.  Thanks 
be.  unto  Thee  for  having  redeemed  me 
througli  the  blood  of  Thy  dear  Son. 
Thanks  be  unto  Thee,  0  Saviour,  for 
having  given  Thy  life  for  me. 

Enable  me,  in  some  measui-e,  to  love 

(26) 


rr  EDNEsiJA  y  mo  RXiyo.  o  7 

Thee  in  return.  Warm  my  cold  heart, 
I  beseech  Thee.  Take  away  all  that 
liinders  me  from  giving  myself  to  Thee. 

Holy  Father,  mould  me  according  to 
thine  own  image.  Bend  my  will  to 
Thine.  Give  me  grace  to  obey  Thee  in 
all  things,  and  ever  to  follow  Thy 
gracious  leading.  Show  me  the  way  in 
which  Thou  wouldest  have  me  to  go,  and 
enable  me  to  walk  in  it. 

Send  down  Thy  Holy  Spirit  into  my 
heart,  to  subdue  my  carnal  aifections, 
and  to  bring  them  into  obedience  to 
Thee.  Let  not  the  world  have  dominion 
over  me,  but  enable  me  to  live  above  it. 
Raise  my  thoughts  heavenwards,  and 
teach  me  day  by  day  to  live  a  life  of 
faith,  and  to  walk  through  this  world  as 
seeing  Him  who  is  invisible. 

Lord,  make  me  this  day  to  be  kind  to 
my  fellow-men,  to  be  gentle  and  unsel 
fish,  careful  to  hurt  no  one  by  word  or 
deed,  but  anxious  to  do  good  to  all,  and 


2  8  WE  USES  D .  /  Y  MO  R  MSG. 

to  make  others  happy.  Give  me  a  Iieart 
to  feel  for  my  brethren.  Enable  me  to 
take  an  interest  in  their  welfare,  to  re- 
joice in  tlie  prosperity  of  the  prosper- 
ous and  to  feel  for  the  afflictions  of  the 
afflicted. 

0  Lord,  forgive  the  sins  of  my  temper. 
Pardon  all  my  hasty  words,  and  unchris- 
tian thoughts.  Make  me  watchful,  that 
I  offend  not  with  my  tongue.  Give  me 
a  meek  and  loving  spirit,  which  is  in 
Thy  sight  of  great  price.  Enable  me 
this  day,  under  every  circumstance,  to 
feel  and  act  as  becomes  the  follower  of  a 
holy  Saviour. 

O  my  Father,  I  would  not  live  unto 
myself,  but  unto  Thee.  Help  me  so  to 
live.  Keep  me  from  sin  this  day,  and 
from  all  that  may  offend  Thee.  Watch 
over  me,  a  poor,  erring  creature.  Hold 
Tliou  me  up,  and  I  shall  be  safe.  Keep 
me  under  Thy  sheltering  care.  And 
never  leave  me  until  Thou  hast  brou<2ht 


WKDXESDA  Y  MORXiya.  o  ^ 

me  into  Thy    very    presence,  where    I 
shall  be  safe  ft)r  ever. 

Grant   me    this,   and   supply  all   my 
wants,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


®l£bnesbag  ® fanning. 

ITNTO  Thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my 
^  soul.  Help  me  to  draw  near,  not 
with  my  lips  only,  but  with  my  heart 
also.  Pardon  the  many  unworthy  offer- 
ings I  have  made  Thee,  and  all  my 
prayers,  which  have  been  so  mixed  with 
sin.  Forgive  the  imperfection  even  of 
my  best  services,  and  accept  me  now  in 
Christ  my  Saviour. 

0  Jesus,  I  flee  unto  Thee  to  hide  me. 
I  shelter  myself  under  Thy  righteous- 
ness. I  plead  Thy  merits,  and  trust 
to  Thine  intercession.  Undertake  my 
cause,  I  beseech  Thee. 

0  blessed  Spirit,  Thou  hast  promised 
to  help  my  infirmities.  Teach  me  how 
and  what  to  ask.     Give  me  a  devout 

(30) 


WEDNESDA  Y  EVEMNG.  3 1 

heart,  and  grant  that  I  may  feel  prayer 
to  be  not  only  a  duty,  but  a  delight. 

Another  day  of  mercy  has  passed 
away  :  0  grant  that  I  may  have  found 
mercy  through  Christ.  Another  day  of 
opportunity  is  gone :  pardon  its  wasted 
and  unimproved  hours.  Make  me  to  re- 
member that  I  am  a  day  nearer  to  the  joys 
of  heaven,  or  to  the  miseries  of  hell. 
Soon  I  shall  lie  down  and  die.  Make 
me  ready  for  that  time.  Prepare  me  for 
it.  I  acknowledge  with  shame  that  I  am 
too  much  taken  up  with  the  things  of 
earth.  The  world  and  its  occupations 
too  deeply  engross  my  thoughts  and  af- 
fections. Keep  me  mindful  that  the  day 
of  the  Lord  draweth  nigh.  Let  my 
lamp  be  lighted.  Make  it  to  burn 
1^ rightly.  May  I  know  the  blessedness 
of  that  faithful  servant  who  is  ever 
waiting  for  his  Lord's  coming. 

Shed  abroad  Thy  love  in  my  heart. 
Make    me  not  only  to   fear   Thee  and 


3  2  WEDNESDA  T  E  VENIXG . 

obey  Thee,  but  to  love  Thee  abave  all 
my  earthly  friends.  Enable  me  from 
my  heart  to  say,  Whom  have  I  in  heaven 
but  Tliee,  and  there  is  none  upon  earth 
that  I  desire  in  comparison  with  Thee? 

Take  me  now  under  Thy  protecting 
care.  0  my  Father,  watch  over  Thy 
cliild.  Give  me  this  night  a  Father's 
blessing.  Grant  to  me  the  sleep  which 
Tiiou  givest  to  Thy  beloved.  Or,  if  1 
lie  wakeful  on  my  bed,  may  my  thoughts 
of  Thee  be  sweet.  Teach  me  to  feel 
the  joy  of  Tliy  abiding  presence  ;  and 
in  my  dai'kest  hour  be  Thou  with  me  ; 
let  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff  comfort  me. 

I  ask  these  blessings.  Lord,  for  Tliy 
dear  Son's  sake.     Amen. 


burstiun  gtoruhtg. 


A  MY  God,  at  the  beginning  of  an- 
^^  other  day  I  desire  to  present  my- 
self before  Thee.  Be  Thou  my  Guide, 
my  Director,  my  Companion,  during  every 
hour  of  it.  May  this  day  be  begun,  con- 
tinued, and  ended  in  Thee.  Be  Thou 
continually  by  my  side,  upholding  me, 
strengthening  me,  and  keeping  me  from 
all  evil. 

0  Lord,  I  acknowledge,  with  sorrow 
and  shame  how  poorly  my  past  life  has 
been  spent.  Much  precious  time  has 
been  wasted,  never  to  be  recalled.  Many 
things  have  been  left  nndone,  which 
ought  to  have  been  accomplished.  And 
0  how  much  hast  Thou  seen  to  be  posi- 
tively wrong  in  my  doings  ! 

0  my  Father,  I  grieve  over  the  i>ast. 

3  133) 


34  TirUMSDAY  MOEMNG. 

I  mourn  over  my  many  transgressions, 
my  sins  of  thouglit,  word  and  deed. 
Thou  knowest  all.  Thou  lookest  down 
into  my  very  heart,  and  from  Thee  no 
secrets  are  hid.  The  remembrance  of 
my  sins  is  grievous  unto  me,  the  burden 
of  them  is  intolerable.  Except  Thou 
forgive  me,  I  am  lost. 

0  Saviour,  I  come  to  Thy  Cross  as 
my  only  refuge.  Wash  me  in  Thy  most 
precious  blood,  and  make  clean  my  heart 
within  me.  Not  only  pardon  me,  Lord, 
but  give  me  grace  to  go  and  sin  no  more. 
Enaljle  me  to  live  a  holy  life.  Sanctify 
me  by  Tliy  Holy  Spirit.  Make  my  heart 
pure  within.  Let  no  vain  thoughts 
lodge  there.  Keep  from  me  every  un- 
holy desire  ;  and  may  it  be  my  delight 
to  do  Thy  will,  and  to  walk  in  Thy 
ways. 

Lord,  I  know  not  what  is  before  me 
this  day,  but  Thou  knowest.  I  desire  to 
leave  all  in  Thy  hands,  and  to  place  my- 


tiiursda  y  Monxiya.  35 

self  at  Thy  disposal.  Do  for  me  as  Tliou 
seest  best. 

Prosper  me  this  day  in  all  that  I  un- 
dertake. Give  me  good  success,  if  such 
be  Thy  will.  But  if  crosses  and  disap- 
pointments are  better  for  me,  give  me 
grace  to  accept  them  as  from  Thee. 
Enable  me  to  bear  tliem  meekly  and 
cheerfully,  and.  to  say.  Father,  not  my 
will,  but  Thy  will  be  done  ! 

0  my  God,  make  me  happy  this  day 
in  Thy  service.  Keep  my  conscience 
void  of  offence.  Let  me  do  nothing,  say 
notliing,'  desire  nothing,  which  is  con- 
trary to  Thy  will.  Give  me  a  thankful 
spirit.  O  for  a  heart  to  praise  Thee  for 
all  that  Thou  hast  given  me,  and  all  that 
Thou  hast  withheld  from  me !  How 
glorious  Thou  art  in  Thyself!  liow  pure, 
how  holy,  how  wise,  how  gracious  !  And 
how  kind  Thou  hast  been  to  me,  who 
have  so  little  deserved  Thy  love  !  Quick- 
en, I  entreat  Thee,  my  sluggish  heart  to 


3  6  TIWRSDA  Y  MO  RMXO. 

praise  Thee  now  ;  and  grant  that  I  may 
one  day  join  the  heavenly  choir,  aud 
praise  Thee  more  perfectly  with  angels 
and  arcliangels  in  Tliy  courts  above. 

Hear  me,  0  Lord,  and  do  for  me  abiui- 
dantly  above  all  I  can  ask  or  desire,  for 
the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  my  Advocate 
and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


urstiau  (Bbcnrng. 


OMY  Saviour,  accept  mc  as  I  come  to 
Thee  thi^  evening  and  put  myself 
under  Tliy  special  care  and  keeping. 
Thou  art  my  best  and  dearest  Friend, 
my  Ahuighty  Protector,  my  great  Deli- 
verer. In  Thy  hands  alone  I  am  safe. 
If  Thou  dost  leave  me,  I  am  destitute. 
If  Thine  arm  is  removed  from  me,  I  have 
no  support. 

Saviour,  abide  with  me,  I  beseech 
Thee.  Keep  me  under  the  shelter  of 
Tliy  wings  this  night,  and  give  me  to 
enjoy  that  calm  and  blessed  peace  which 
is  the  portion  of  Thy  people.  0  remove 
every  doubt  and  every  fear  which  harass 
me,  and  enable  me  to  rejoice  in  Thy  love 
and  favour.  Draw  very  near  to  me,  I 
beseech  Thee.     Make  Thyself  more  fully 


3  8  TTIVRSDA  Y  EVEXIXG. 

known  to  me.  0  that  I  may  walk  with 
Thee  all  the  day,  and  lie  down  at  night 
under  Thy  peaceful,  loving  care. 

Lord,  give  me  such  a  portion  in  this 
lii'e  as  is  good  for  me.  Grant  me  health, 
if  it  be  Thy  will.  But  if  thou  sliouldest 
see  fit  to  send  me  sickness  or  suffering, 
give  me  grace  not  only  to  bear  it  pati- 
ently, but  to  welcome  it  as  sent  by  Thee. 
If  riches  come  to  me,  keep  me  humble 
and  unworldly  ;  if  poverty,  make  me 
cheerful  and  trustful.  Whatever  be  my 
lot,  give  me  a  contented  and  submissive 
spirit. 

Keep  me  from  being  ashamed  of  Christ, 
or  of  His  Gospel.  Give  me  grace  boldly 
to  confess  my  Saviour  before  men.  And, 
when  my  heart  faints  within  me,  be  Thou 
tlie  strength  of  my  heart  and  my  portion 
for  ever. 

.Be  with  all  my  beloved  friends.  Give 
them  earthly  happiness,  if  Thou  seest  it 
good  for  them ;   and  grant  them  that 


TmiRSD AY  EVENING.  ."^Q 

peace  which  comes  from  Thee  alone.  If 
any  of  them  are  far  from  Thee,  bring 

them  to  Thyself  (especially  ).     If 

any  of  them  are  at  this  time  in  trouble, 
visit  them  with  thine  own  presence,  and 
turn  their  sorrow  into  joy. 

Hear  me,  both  for  myself  and  them. 
Hear  me,  0  my  Saviour,  now  and  ever- 
more, for  thine  own  name's  sake.    Amen. 


A  THOU  whose  name  is  Love,  who 
^  never  tiirnest  away  from  the  cry  of 
Thy  needy  children,  give  ear  to  ray 
prayer  this  morning.  I  dare  not  enter 
upon  the  events  of  another  day  without 
putting  my  body  under  Thy  protecting 
care,  and  my  soul  under  Thy  safe  keep- 
ing. 

Make  this  day  a  day  of  blessing  to  me, 
and  make  me  a  blessing  to  others.  Keep 
all  evil  away  from  me.  Preserve  me 
from  all  outward  transgression,  and  from 
secret  sin.  0  Holy  Spirit,  dwell  Thou 
in  my  heart.  Take  up  Thy  abode  within 
me,  and  bless  me  with  Thy  presence. 
Teach  me,  guide  me,  sanctify  me.  Draw 
mj  soul  to  the  Saviour,  and  enable  me 
to  rest  peacefully  in  Him.    My  heart  is 

(40) 


FRIDAY  MO RXIXn.  4| 

full  of  unbelief;  0  give  me  faith.  It 
is  full  of  the  world  ;  0  purify  it,  and 
raise  my  affections  heavenwards. 

0  God,  help  me  to  control  my  temper 
this  day.  May  I  check  the  first  risings 
of  anger  or  snllenness.  If  I  meet  with 
unkindness  or  ill-treatment,  give  me  that 
cliarity  which  suffereth  long  and  beareth 
all  things.  If  I  suffer  wrongfully,  may 
I  bear  it  with  patience  and  meekness, 
remembering  that  Thou,  my  Lord  and 
Master,  didst  suffer  before  me.  Give  me 
grace  to  deny  myself,  to  take  up  my 
cross,  and  to  follow  Thee.  Make  me 
kind  and  gentle  towards  all,  loving  even 
my  enemies,  if  I  have  any. 

Lord,  let  me  live  this  day  as  if  it  were 
to  be  my  last.  Keep  me  from  wasting 
its  precious  hours,  remembering  that  my 
time  is  short.  0  my  God,  show  me  the 
path  that  Thou  wouldest  have  me  to  fol- 
low. May  I  take  no  step  which  is  not 
ordered  by  Thee,  and  go  now^here  except 
Thou,  Lord,  go  with  me. 


42  FRIDAY  MoKMyG. 

Holy  Father,  let  Thy  will  be  done 
concerning  me.  Let  Thy  purpose  be  ac- 
complished. And,  if  it  should  be  Thy 
pleasure,  use  me  as  an  instrument  to  pro- 
mote Thy  glory,  and  to  be  useful  to  my 
fellow- men. 

Bless  to  me  the  reading  of  Thy  word 
this  day.  Be  Thou,  0  Holy  Spirit,  my 
daily  Teacher.  Open  to  me  the  hidden 
things  of  God.  Light  up  the  page  of 
Scripture,  and  enable  me  to  understand 
Thy  truth,  to  believe  it,  and  to  rejoice 
in  it. 

Lord,  hasten  Tliine  own  kingdom.  Let 
Tliy  truth  at  lengtli  triumph.  Bless  the 
preaching  of  Thy  gospel  in  this  and 
other  lands.  Send  forth  labourers  into 
Thy  harvest.  0  gather  in,  and  save, 
many  souls. 

xVnd  save  me,  0  Lord,  who  am  now 
kneeling  before  Thee.  Save  me  now, 
and  save  me  everlastingly,  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake.    Amen. 


JfriiraD  ^b^uing. 

TTXTO  Thee  do  I  lift  up  mine  eyes,  0 
^  Thou  that  dwellest  in  the  heavens. 
Tliou  art  great  and  glorious,  but  I  am 
vile  and  worthless.  Thou  art  holy,  but 
I  am  unholy.  Forbid  it.  Lord,  that  I 
should  ever  come  into  Thy  presence, 
trusting  in  my  own  righteousness,  but 
teach  me  to  come  before  Thee  as  a  sin- 
ner, pleading  the  merits  of  my  Saviour. 

Teach  me  to  pray.  0  Holy  Spirit, 
help  my  infirmities,  and  make  me  to  feel 
my  many  and  pressing  wants.  My  Sa- 
viour, I  cry  to  Thee  for  the  pardon  of 
my  sins.  Make  me  to  feel  their  great- 
ness. Let  sin  appear  exceeding  sinful 
in  my  sight.  O  deliver  me  both  from  its 
guilt  and  from  its  indwelling  power. 
Free  me  from  its  dominion  ;  and  reign 

(4o) 


44  fKIDA  V  EVEMXG. 

Thou,  0  mj  King  and  my  God  :  reign 
Thou  alone  in  my  lieart. 

Lord,  I  wisli  to  be  Thine,  Thy  true  ser- 
vant, Thy  faithful  disciple.  0  make  me 
to  be  so.  Correct  in  me  all  that  is 
wrong.  Take  asvay  every  brancli  tliat 
bears  not  fruit,  and  may  I  live  to  Thee. 
Pardon  all  my  hateful  unbelief,  my  hard- 
ness of  heart,  and  my  contempt  of  Thy 
blessed  word.  Forgive  me  for  some- 
times doubting  Thy  love  and  Thy  good- 
ness. Lord,  increase  my  faith.  Grant 
that  my  trust  in  Christ  may  be  firm  and 
unshaken.  Hast  Thou  not  said.  Blessed 
are  they  that  have  not  seen,  and  yet 
have  believed?  May  that  blessedness 
be  mine. 

Especially  when  I  read  Thy  word,  or 
hear  it  preached,  may  I  receive  it  as 
from  Tiiee,  as  Thy  own  word,  as  Thy 
message  to  my  soul. 

Enable  me,  heavenly  Father,  to  live 
as  a  stranger  and  a  pilgrim  upon  earth. 


FRIDAY  EVEMXa.  45 

remembering  that  here  I  have  no  abiding 
city,  no  resting  place  in  this  world. 
Grant  that  I  may^  be  ever  hastening 
onwards  to  my  home  above. 

Give  me  boldness  to  confess  Christ. 
Let  me  not  be  ashamed  to  own  Him  as 
my  Master.  May  I  set  my  face  heaven- 
ward, and  declare  plainly  that  I  seek  a 
better  country,  that  is,  an  heavenly. 
Loosen  those  roots  which  bind  me  down 
too  closely  to  this  world,  and  give  me 
grace  to  press  forward  with  increased 
earnestness. 

I  thank  Thee,  gracious  God,  for  hav- 
ing watched  over  me  and  guarded  me 
tliis  day.  And  I  beseech  Thee  still  to 
keep  me  under  Thy  protection.  Help 
me  day  by  day  to  walk  in  the  narrow 
way  of  life.  Lead  me  in  the  path  of 
holiness,  and  prayer,  and  praise,  to  that 
glorious  kingdom  above,  wliere  saints 
and  angels  bless  Thy  name  for  ever. 

Grant  this,  and  all  that  I  have  asked, 


46  FRIDA  Y  E  VEXiyO. 

or  failed  to  ask,  through  the  merits  and 
intercession  of  my  Lord  and  Saviour, 
Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 


A  THOU,  who  dwellest  in  the  highest 
^  heavens,  look  down  with  compas- 
sion upon  me,  Thy  sinful  creature.  Lord, 
I  am  unworthy  to  approach  Thee,  but 
I  come  in  the  name  of  Thy  dear  Son  ; 
hear  me,  for  His  sake. 

Be  with  me  through  the  whole  of  this 
day,  in  my  going  out  and  coming  in,  in  my 
rising  up  and  lying  down.  Be  with  me 
in  my  intercourse  with  my  fellow-men. 
Make  me  careful  as  to  what  I  say  and 
do.  Let  me  speak  when  I  ought  to 
speak,  and  when  I  should  be  silent  set 
Thy  seal  upon  my  lips. 

Be  witli  mc  loo  ^- icn  I  am  alone. 
Make  me  to  romembo  ^  that  Thou,  0 
God,  seest  me,  and  ma"   I  act  as  in  Thy 

(47) 


48  'S^  TUEDA  Y  MORXING. 

presence.  If .  temptation  assail  me,  0 
give  me  grace  to  resist.  Shield  me,  0 
my  God,  from  the  tempter's  power,  and 
keep  me  from  sinning  against  Thee. 

0  my  Father,  bless  me,  and  make  me  a 
blessing.  May  my  conduct  be  such  as 
becometh  Thy  servant  and  Thy  child. 
May  religion  be  a  reality  with  me.  May 
it  be  my  stay  in  trouble,  my  support 
through  life,  and  the  very  joy  of  my 
heart.  Make  me  not  only  a  Christinn, 
but  a  holy,  happy,  rejoicing  Christian. 
Give  me  that  best  of  all  knowledge,  to 
know  Thee  and  Jesus  Christ,  whom  Thou 
hast  sent. 

As  I  pass  through  this  world,  make 
me  useful.  Give  me  grace  to  bring  forth 
fruit  unto  Thee,  and  to  be  active,  earnest, 
and  zealous  in  my  calling. 

Bless  the  Church  to  which  I  belong, 
and  make  me  a  ti'ue  and  faitliful  member 
of  it.  Be  with  our  bishops  •  give  them 
wisdom,   and   piety,   and   singleness   of 


SJ  TURD  A  Y  MO  RXIAG.  4  9 

heart  Clothe  Thy  ministers  witli  right- 
eousness. 0  Thou  great  and  good  Shep- 
herd, be  with  those  wliom  Thou  sendest 
forth,  and  enable  them  faithfully  to  feed 
the  flocks  committed  to  their  care. 

Let  Tliy  blessing  also  rest  upon  our 
Church-members,  especially  those  with 
whom  1  worship.  Add  to  their  nmnbers 
daily  such  as  shall  be  saved.  Give  life 
to  our  souls,  and  shed  abroad  Thy  love 
in  our  hearts. 

Be  with  those  too  who  belong  not  to 
our  communion.  Take  away  from  us  all 
anger  and  bitterness  of  heart,  and  make 
us  to  feel  a  kind  and  tender  spirit  to- 
wards them.  Heal,  0  Lord,  our  un- 
happy divisions,  and  make  us  more 
united.  Hasten  the  time  when  we  shall 
be  one  fold,  under  one  Sliepherd. 

Keep  me  from  thinking  evil,  or  speak- 
ing evil,  of  any  one  this  day.  Make  me 
slow  to  discern  the  faults  of  otliers,  and 
quick  in  discovering  my  own.  May  I  be 
4 


50  SATUEDAV  MORXIXG. 

anxious  to  relieve  the  needy,  to  cheer  the 
sorrowing,  and  to  return  good  for  evil. 
May  I  be  ever  ready  to  forgive,  hoping 
to  be  forgiven  of  Thee. 

Lord,  hear  me,  and  bless  me,  and  be 
with  me,  for  my  Saviour's  sake.     Amen. 


Saturbag  fyrnm^. 

A  THOU  who  art  my  Father  and  my 
'-^  Friend,  who  hast  watched  over  me 
during  my  past  life,  and  preserved  me  to 
tliis  present  hour,  I  desire  to  thank  Thee 
for  that  love  and  mercy  which  have  fol- 
lowed me  all  my  life  long. 

I  bless  Thee  for  all  that  Thou  hast 
given  me,  and  for  all  that  Thou  hast 
taken  from  me  ;  for  all  my  trials  and 
sorrows,  as  well  as  for  all  my  joys.  Thou 
hast  mercifully  led  me  through  this  wil- 
derness, and  hast  borne  with  my  many 
short-comings  and  evil  doings.  Tliou 
art  indeed  most  gracious  and  glorious,  a 
Father  of  mercies,  and  a  God  of  love. 
Rouse  this  sluggisli  heart  of  mine,  and 
fill  it  with  gratitude.     Put  a  new  song 

(51) 


52  SATURDAY  EVEXlSCr. 

in  my  mouth,  even  thanksgiving  unto  mj 
God. 

And  be  with  me,  Lord,  for  tlie  time  to 
come.  I  know  not  what  is  before  me, 
but  Thou  knowest.  Choose  Thou  my 
portion  for  me.  Lead  me  by  Tliine  own 
hand  ;  and  keep  me  close  to  Tliee  all  tlie 
day  long.  Leave  me  not  for  a  single  in- 
stant, lest  I  fall ;  but  hold  Thou  me  up, 
and  I  si  1  all  be  safe. 

My  Father,  I  wish  to  love  and  obey 
Thee.  My  Saviour,  I  desire  to  serve 
Thee.  Take  my  heart,  for  I  cannot  give 
it  to  Thee.  Put  away  everything  that 
hinders  me  from  being  altogether  Thine. 
O  snap  asunder  every  tie  that  binds  me 
down  to  earth.  May  I  soar  upwards  on 
the  wings  of  faith.  Grant  that  the  life 
which  I  now  live  in  the  flesh  I  may  live 
by  che  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved 
me,  and  gave  Himself  for  me. 

Prejiare  me,  0  Lord,  for  the  coming 
Sabbath  day.     Grant  tliat  I  may  not  only 


.SA  TUR  DAY  E  VEXIXG.  5  3 

put  «isidc  my  worldly  occupations,  but 
also  my  worldly  thoughts  and  feelings. 
Grant  that  I  may  spend  its  sacred  hours 
in  a  way  that  shall  conduce  to  Thy 
glory,  and  to  ray  own  good.  Give  me  a 
prayerful  and  devout  frame,  and  may  I 
lift  up  my  heart  to  Thee.  Be  with  Thy 
ministers,  and  fit  them  for  their  holy  work. 

Lord,  I  commend  to  Thy  kind  and 
fatherly  care  all  my  dear  relations  and 
friends.  May  they  be  very  dear  to  Thee. 
Gather  every  member  of  my  family  into 
Thy  fold  now,  and  into  Thy  kingdom 
hereafter.  Save  the  lost,  bring  back  the 
wandering,  and  make  the  sorrowful  to 
rejoice. 

And  nr  ^,  0  Thou  Keeper  of  Israel, 
keep  me.  Watch  over  me  whilst  I  am 
asleep,  or  ^f  I  lie  awake,  help  me  to  think 
of  Thee,  /i^nd  grant  me  such  quiet  rest  as 
shall  fit  ra    'or  tlie  duties  of  the  morrow. 

Hear  me,  0  my  Father,  and  bless  me, 
for  Jesus  i  liirist's  sake.    Amen. 


r  ORD,  I  desire  to  withdraw  for  a  few 
-*^  moments  from  the  world,  and  to 
spend  them  in  Thy  presence.  It  is  good 
to  hold  communion  with  Thee. 

O  my  God,  how  much  the  things  of 
earth  chain  down  my  soul!  Do  Thou 
loose  these  bonds,  and  set  me  free.  Raise 
me  above  the  world :  and  enable  me  to 
live  upon  Thee,  and  to  walk  by  faith, 
and  not  by  sight. 

Wliilst  I  am  in  the  world  keep  me 
from  its  snares.  Let  me  do  my  daily 
work  as  for  Thee.  Let  mine  eye  ever 
be  towards  Thee.  Let  me  do  evervthin^ 
with  a  view  to  thy  glory. 

Keep  me  in  a  watchful,  prayerful  spirit ; 

(54) 


A  MI  D-D  A  r  PR  A  YKR.  5.5 

and  let  me  never  forget  that  for  all  T  do 
I  must  one  day  give  an  account  to  Thee. 
Hear  me,  0  my  God,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ,  my  Redeemer.     Amen. 


No.  II. 

rjEAR  me,  0  my  Saviour,  whilst  for  a 
-*-^  few  moments  I  put  myself  into  Thy 
presence.  Make  me  to  feel  tliat  Thou 
lovest  me  with  an  everlasting  love,  and 
hast  given  Thyself  for  me.  0  that  Thy 
love  may  possess  my  heart  all  the  day 
long!  May  it  constrain  me  to  live  no 
'onger  to  myself,  but  to  Tliee.  Saviour, 
)ide  me  in  Thy  bosomi  Keep  me  by 
Thy  grace,  and  place  beneath  me  Thine 
^erlasting  arms. 

Lord  preserve  me  from  tlie  many  temp- 
tations by  whicli  I  am  every  hour  sur- 

(40) 


56  A  MID-DA  y  PR  AY  Eli. 

rounded.  Undertake  my  cause  for  me. 
Cheer  me,  strengthen  me,  and  breatlie 
life  into  my  soul.  Give  me  the  peace 
whicli  thou  hast  promised  to  Thy  people, 
even  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot 
give.  For  Thine  own  sake,  0  Lord, 
grant  this  my  prayer.     Amen. 


%  ^r;u)cr  bi^for^  rctctbing  tbe 
Dolu  Commuubii. 

OTHOU  high  and  holy  One,  who  hast 
prepared  a  table  for  me  in  the 
wilderness,  and  invitest  me  to  partake  of 
the  feast  which  Thou  hast  spread,  help 
me  to  approach  that  heavenly  feast  with 
a  penitent,  believing,  lo\ing  heart. 

0  my  Saviour,  Thou  who  art  the  Bread 
of  Life,  nourish  my  soul,  for  it  needs  Thy 
constant  support.  Give  me  right  feel- 
ings in  coming  to  Thy  table.  Put  away 
from  me  all  worldliness,  and  sin,  and  un- 
belief. Purify  my  heart.  Fill  me  with 
love  to  Thee. "  I  look  to  Thy  atoning 
death  on  the  cross  alone  for  pardon,  and 
to  Tliy  Holy  Spirit  for  sanctifying  grace. 
I  look  to  Tliee  as  my  great  Helper,  as 
my  ever-present  Lord  and  Friend. 

67 


58  fK^^y  coMurxroN. 

Be  with  mc  now  especially.  Manifesi 
Tliyself  to  me  in  tfce  breaking  of  Dread. 
Draw  nearer  to  me  than  Thou  hast  ever 
yet  done,  and  make  me  to  el  joy  and 
comfoj"t  in  this  Thine  own  ordinance. 
Bring  me  to  Thy  banqueting-house,  and 
may  Thy  banner  over  me  be  love. 

O  bless  me,  strengthen  me,  feed  me, 
refresh  me  both  now  and  evermore. 
Amen. 


%  ^raijcr  la  be  itseir  xuxbn  B^i 
ritual  Soubts  anb  Qifficulticfj. 


O' 


OTHOU  who  art  my  Guide  and  Friend, 
my  Counsellor  and  my  Support,  to 
Thee  I  come  in  this  my  time  of  need. 
Lord,  Thou  knowest  how  sorely  I  am 
tried  by  spiritual  doubts  and  fears.  Have 
compassion  on  me.  Pity  Tliy  poor,  weak 
servant ;  and  in  Thy  own  good  time 
make  every  difficulty  to  vanish. 

In  the  meanwhile  support  me  by  Thy 
grace.  Hold  Thou  me  up,  lest  I  sink. 
Let  not  the  Avaves  overwhelm  ine.  Speak 
to  my  heart,  and  make  me  to  feel  Thy 
love  tcfwards  me.  Show  me  that  Tliou 
art  indeed  my  Father.  Lord,  I  believe  : 
help  Thou  mine  unbelief. 

Remove  every  cloud  that  now  darkens 

(59) 


60  DOUBTS  AND  DIFFICULTIES. 

my  soul ;  and  shine  upon  me,  0  Thou 
Sun  of  Righteousness,  with  healing  in 
Thy  wings.  Take  away  all  that  hinders 
me  from  enjoying  peace,  and  restore  unto 
me  the  joy  of  Thy  salvation.  Give  me 
grace  to  cast  myself  unreservedly  on 
Thee,  who  art  my  Saviour  and  my 
Friend  ;  and  to  Thee  be  all  the  praise, 
now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 


%  ^rmj^r  for  mxYt  iinu  of  Ccmp- 
htxon. 

A  MY  God,  at  this  time,  when  tempta- 
^  tion  presses  sore  upon  me,  I  flee  unto 
Thee  to  hide  me. 

Tliou  hast  bidden  me  resist  the  devil ; 
but  I  have  no  power  to  do  so,  except  it 
be  given  me  from  above.  Thou  knovvest 
my  weakness  and  my  danger  ;  help  me, 
I  entreat  Thee.  Strengthen  me,  uphold 
me,  fill  me  with  Thy  grace.  Saviour, 
let  Thy  strength  be  made  perfect  in  my 
weakness.  And  when  Satan  would  have 
me,  and  sift  me  as  wheat,  do  Tliou  pray 
for  me,  that  I  may  manfully  fight  against 
liim,  and  at  length  gain  the  victory. 

Lord  Jesus,  Thou  wast  Thyself  tempt- 
ed, and  Tb.ou  lovest  to  succour  them  that 
are  tempted.    0  come  to  my  help.    Stand 

(61) 


62  AXr  TIME  OF  TEMPTATION. 

by  me  in  my  hour  of  need  ;  and  keep  me 
from  falling  into  any  sin,  or  doing  any- 
thing tliat  will  dishonour  Thee. 

Hearken  to  Thy  servant  in  his  distress, 
and  when  Thou  hearest,  put  forth  Tliy 
power  to  save,  for  Thy  own  sake,  who, 
with  the  Fatlier  and  the  Holy  Ghost," 
art  God  over  all,  blessed  for  evermore. 
Amen. 


^  '^jimx  to  be  itseir  in  ium  of 

■"ll/f  OST  gracious  and  lovin-g  Father,  I 
^^  thank  Thee  for  the  measure  of 
health  wliich  I  have  hitherto  eiijo3"ed, 
for  having  preserved  me  up  to  the  pre- 
sent hour,  and  for  all  tlie  many  mercies 
which  I  have  experienced. 

And  now  that  Thou  hast  brought 
sickness  upon  me,  I  desire  still  to  tliank 
Thee  ;  for  this  also  cometli  from  Thee. 
It  is  for  my  good  that  Thou  layest  Thy 
chastening  hand  upon  me.  0  grant  that 
I  may  profit  by  this  Thy  visitation. 
Make  me  to  feel  that  1  am  in  Thy  hands, 
and  that  Thou  canst  take  away  my  healtli, 
my  strength,  and  my  life.  I  bow  before 
Thee  with  humble  submission.     Thy  will 


be  done  concerning  me. 


(68) 


64  /^'  TIME  OF  SJCK^'ESS. 

If  it  be  Thy  pleasure,  remove  tliia 
sickness  from  me,  and  restore  me  again 
to  health.  -  Or  if  it  be  Thy  purpose  to 
lay  me  on  a  bed  of  sickness,  0  sanctify 
this  affliction  to  my  souFs  health.  May 
it  do  me  good.  May  it  wean  me  from 
the  world.  I  feel  that  I  have  been  too 
much  engrossed  with  the  tilings  of  time  ; 
0  that  I  may  think  more  of  eternity  ! 

Whatever  be  Thy  dealings  with  me  at 
this  time,  leave  me  not,  0  Lord,  neither 
forsake  me.  Draw  near  to  me,  and  bless 
me  with  Thy  presence.  Enable  me  to 
rest  my  soul  on  Christ,  and  keep  me  in 
perfect  peace. 

Hear  me,  and  receive  me,  for  my 
Saviour's  sake.    Amen. 


§.  ^rag^r  to  b^  usetr  iit  fnm  of 

A  MY  Father,  Thou  hast  indeed  bless- 
^  ed  me  far  beyond  my  deserts.  Thou 
hast  greatly  prospered  me.  0  make  me 
thankful.  Tune  my  heart  to  praise  Thee 
as  I  ought.  Put  a  new  song  in  my 
mouth,  even  thanksgiving  unto  my 
God. 

Keep  me  from  being  too  much  taken 
up  with  the  things  of  this  world.  Make 
me  ever  mindful  that  this  is  not  my  rest. 
I  desire  to  show  my  gratitude  by  living 
henceforth  more  entirely  to  Tliy  glory. 
jCt  me  not  forget  Thee  in  my  present 
)rosperity,  lost  a  curse  come  upon  me, 
instead  of  a  blessing.     But  feeling  Thy 

5  (65) 


66  /^V  TIME  OF  PROSPERITY. 

goodness  and  Thy  love,  may  I  give  my 
whole  heart  to  Thee,  and  live  to  Thee 
all  my  days,  for  Jesus  Clirist's  sake. 
Amen. 


^  IPragcr  to  ht  itscb  m  fime  of 
g.iibn'sitg. 

A  GOD,  in  Thee  alone  is  my  help  in 
^  this  hour  of  affliction.  Thou  hast 
sorely  smitten  me,  but  it  is  in  love. 

Thou  pitiest  me,  0  my  Father,  and 
wilt  not  lay  upon  me  a  burden  too  heavy 
for  me  to  bear.  May  I  find  abundant 
support  from  Thee.  Place  under  me 
Thine  everlasting  arms ;  and  make  me 
to  feel  that  as  my  days,  so  shall  my 
strength  be.  Enable  me  to  come  out 
of  this  furnace  purified.  Saviour,  I  flee 
to  Thee.  Hide  me  under  the  covert 
of  Thy  wings,  and  speak  to  my  soul. 
I  do  not  ask  Thee  to  take  away  my 
sorrow  before  the  appointed  time  ;  but 
I  ask  Thee  to  be  with  me  in  it.     And 

(67) 


68 


IN  TIME  OF  ADVERSITY. 


after  I  have   suffered   awhile,  stablish 
strengthen,  settle  me. 

Hear  me  at  this  time  ;  and  send  me 
not  away  unblest  from  Thy  Throne  of 
o'race.     Amen. 


A  LORD,  Thy  Word  is  before  me; 
^  give  me  a  meek,  and  reverent,  and 
teachable  frame  whilst  I  read  it.  Open 
to  me  its  sacred  truths,  and  enable  me 
to  receive  it,  not  as  the  word  of  men, 
but  as  the  word  of  God  which  liveth  and 
abideth  for  ever. 

Be  Thou,  0  blessed  Spirit,  my  Teacher. 
Enlighten  my  mind  and  prepare  my  heart. 
Shine,  Lord,  upon  Thy  own  sacred  page, 
and  make  it  clear  to  me.  What  I  see 
not,  show  me  ;  and  where  I  am  wrong, 
correct  me.  Bring  home  some  precious 
portion  to  my  soul,  and  thus  make  mc 
wise  unto  salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
my  Saviour.    Amen. 

(69) 


%  ^xnmx  ia  ht  usctr  before  nm 
Special  Enirevtahmg. 

T  ORD,  I  desire  to  place  myself,  and 
^  what  I  am  about  to  undertake,  in 
Thy  hands.  Guide,  direct,  and  prosper 
me,  I  beseech  Thee.  And  if  Thou  seest 
that  this  undertaking  will  be  for  Thy 
glory,  grant  me  good  success  Make  me 
to  feel  that  unless  Thy  blessing  is  with 
me  I  cannot  succeed,  and  that,  except 
the  Lord  build  the  house,  their  labour  is 
but  lost  that  build  it.  Prevent  us  then, 
O  Lord,  in  this  and  all  our  doings  with 
Thy  most  gracious  favour,  and  further  us 
with  Thy  continual  help,  tliat  in  all  our 
works  begun,  coi^tinucd,  and  ended  in 
Thee,  we  may  glorify  Tliy  name,  thr'Qwgjb 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


%  '^XiiMx  for  n  Wcsstng  on 

MOST  blessed  Saviour,  who  hast  ap- 
■^'^  pointed  divers  orders  of  men  in 
Thy  Church,  look  graciously  at  this  time 
upon  Thy  ministering  servants.  Teach 
them  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may 
teach  others.  Cheer  and  comfort  them 
in  their  labours.  Feed  them  with  that 
Bread  of  life,  which  they  deal  out  to 
their  people.  Bless  them  in  tlieir  la- 
bours, and  make  them  wise  to  win  souls. 
Lord  Jesus,  let  Thine  especial  favour 
rest  upon  those  who  are  preaching  Thy 
Word  to  the  heatlion.  Support  them 
amidst  all  their  trials  ;  and  grant  tliat 
the  word  spoken  by  their  mouths  may 
have  such  success,  that  it  may  nevei^  be 
spoken  in  vain. 

(71) 


72    BLESSING  ON  CUBISrS  MINIS fEET 

And  hasten,  Lord,  the  time  when  they 
sliall  no  more  teach  every  man  his  neigh- 
bour, and  every  man  his  brother,  saying 
Know  the  Lord,  for  all  shall  know  Thee 
IVom  the  least  to  the  greatest.  Grant 
this  for  Thine  own  name's  sake.     Amen. 


HEADS  FOR  PRAYER. 


glonxing  f  r^^n 


SUNDAY. 

Confession.  .Coldness    in   praver.       4t>>iae  p>'   -*'tt 

sabbaths. 
Petition..    .For  God's  presen^'e.     Gift  of  the-^uj-'* 

to  ministers  and  congregavion*!.     T''<< 

awakening  and  nourishing  ot  sohIs. 
Praise For  day  of  rest.     Public  Worsnin.     Ak 

ordained  ministry. 

MONDAY. 

Confession.  .Hardness  and  dulness  of  heart.    Slot/ 
fulness. 

KTiTioN For  Jews.     Heathens.     Our  own  cou>»' 

trymen. 

'RAISE For    Gospel    light.     Prayer.     Christ^^ 

intercession. 

(73) 


74 


HEADS  FOR  PR  A  YER. 


TUESDAY. 
Confession.  .Vain   thoughts.      Idle   words.     Unholy 

tempers. 
Petition    .  . .  For  Patience.     Forbearance.     A   bl'-ss- 

ing    on    the    sick,    sorrowful,    aged, 

young. 
Praise.. For    Liealth.     Sleep.     Food.     Clomi.ig. 

Safety.     Oppoi  tunities  of  doing  good. 

WEDNESDAY. 
Confession.  .Bible   neglected.      Heaven   not   kept    in 

view.     Love  of  the  world. 
Petition For   influence   of    the   Holy  Spirit.     A 

kinder  and  gentler  feeling  towards  all. 
Praise....     For   any   good  in  ourselves  or  others. 

Grace  received. 

THURSDAY. 
Confession.  .Unhumbled  mind.     Hasty  words.     Un 
charitable  thoughts. 

Petition For  a  blessing  on  our  Country ;  all   lu 

authority  ;  the  poor  ;  our  enemies. 

Praise For  the  gift  of  a'  Saviour.     Pardoning, 

restraining,  and  sanctifying  grace. 

FRIDAY. 

Confession.  .  Want  of  kindness  and  tenderness.  Self- 
seeking.     Self-indulgence. 

Petition For  Family.  Friends.  Pariah.  God- 
children. 

Praise      For  the  Spirit's  teaching.     Prosperity. 

Trials. 


HEADS  FOR  PRAYER. 


SATURDAY. 


CoNFESSioy  .Selfishness.       Jealousy.       ITretfuiness. 

Love  of  Praise. 
Pbaisb For    onr    Home.        Family    blesslnga 

Kind  friends. 


®benmg  ^nxmx. 


SUNDAY. 

Confession.  .Wanderings  of  thought.  Iniquity  of 
our  holy  things.  Unbelief.  Uncon- 
cern. 

Petition  . . .  .For  a  blessing  on  the  seed  sown.  More 
life  and  earnestness. 

Praise For  Sabbath  mercies.  Ood's  forbear- 
ance.    For  a  Saviour  offered  to  us. 

MONDAY. 

Confession.  .Indwelling  sin.  Backwardness  to  con- 
fess Christ. 

Petition For    a    consistent  walk.      Communion 

with  God.     More  faith. 

Praise For  temporal  mercies.    God's  love. 

TUESDAY. 

Confession.  .Onr  lost  state  by  nature.     Unwatchful- 

ness.     Self-esteem. 

Petition To  be  useful.     More  love  for  souls. 

pBAisE For  our  privileges.     For  God's  chastiso- 

ments. 


ntADS  FOR  PRAYER  77 

WEDNESDAY. 

.Readiness  to  take  offence.  Sinful  de- 
sires. 

Petition That  Cbrist  would  make  llinisclf  known 

to  us.     A  holy  walk. 

Praise For    our     reason.       Deliverance    from 

danger. 

THURSDAY. 

CoxFESSiox.  .Duties  neglected.     Grieving  the  Spirit 
J'i'.TiTioN To  live  a  life  of  faith.     Power  to  resist 

the  devil. 
pRAisB For  sparing  n.ercy.    For  our  promised 

rest. 

FRIDAY. 

CoxFE.ssiON.  .Lost  time  and  opportunities.     Worldli- 

ness  of  heart. 
Petition For  growth  in  grace  and  holiness.     A 

contented  and  thankful  heart     God's 

protecting  care. 
Pkaise For  answered  prayers.     The  promise  of 

Christ's  Second  Coming. 

_ATURDAY. 

CoxFESsiox.  .Self-ir'^'ilgence.      Lore  of  ease.     Love 

of  money. 
Petition  ...  .For  t*—^  outpouring  of   the  Spirit.     A 

blessing  on  the  morrow. 
Pbaisb For  God's  care.     His  patience  and  lova 


Princeton  Theological  Seminary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  01026  6502 


